Gills front man close to his very best once again as Parker finds the net against Portsmouth.
Forward Josh Parker was thrilled following his man of the match performance in the 2-0 victory over Portsmouth on Boxing Day.
Parker’s headed goal on the stroke of half-time gave the Gills something to defend in the second half and they were rewarded for their bravery as a stoppage time Callum Reilly penalty secured all three points.
The victory meant that Steve Lovell’s men completed the double over the league leaders and became the first team to beat them on their travels this season. The win has left the Gills five points off of the top half heading into Saturday's game against Doncaster.
Parker’s goal was his second in three games, and his fourth of the season. On Wednesday he was put into a much different role to the one he had been occupying in recent months, and the change paid dividends.
“Today I was playing in the middle of a front three which is a position that I like, even though the two wide boys don’t really like to play there; it’s easier for me to relay information to them.
“I think they [Brandon Hanlan and Elliott List] both did really well in that formation and the gaffer said make sure you’re in the box today and you’ll score.”
Parker has scored three headed goals this season and that comes as no surprise to him.
“I’d say it’s one of my biggest strengths; I am very comfortable in the air," he said.
“Since I joined Gillingham I’ve scored more goals with my head than I have with my feet.”
The win on Wednesday also came without the league’s top scorer Tom Eaves and Parker was proud of the team for stepping up.
“We can’t be dependent on one person. Tom’s doing so well, unfortunately he got an injury and we need to step up, we can’t rely upon him.
“We all need to contribute as it’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders and up until now he has lived up to it, but myself, Listy, Brandon, Callum are capable of scoring goals and we showed that."
The Gills went into the game as big underdogs but Parker believed that the atmosphere at Priestfield was huge factor in pushing the team over the line. The striker also feels that this could help them in their forthcoming games against Doncaster and Cardiff.
“You understand how big of a difference it makes. We need it like that every week, even when things aren’t going so well. At the same time when they cheer it helps us.”